Juninho Pernambucano

Juninho Pernambucano

Midfielder

8

Real Name:
Juninho

HT:5' 10"WT:156

Age:
43 (01/30/1975)

Birthplace:
Recife, Brazil

How Acquired: Signed as a free agent on Dec. 17, 2012.

Professional:

The 2013 season in Juninho’s first with the Red Bulls and first in MLS after an impressive, legendary career with various club sides and the Brazilian National Team. Juninho is hailed as a dead-ball specialist thanks to his highlight-reel worthy free kicks and laser-precision accuracy. He will also be a key cog in the Red Bulls’ midfield with his ability to find his teammates in the attacking third and deliver the final pass.

2013: Registered his first start as a Red Bull in the Mar. 3 season opener against the Timbers, going the full 90 in New York's 3-3 draw at JELD-WEN Field.

2009 – 2011: In his first season with Qatari club Al-Gharafa, Juninho earned Player of the Year honors after leading the team to its seventh league title and claiming the Qatari Stars Cup and Qatar Crown Prince Cup.

2001 – 2009: Juninho undoubtedly added to his list of accolades during his nine seasons with French side Olympique Lyonnais, helping the club earn seven-straight Ligue 1 titles from 2002-08. During that same span, he recorded 100 goals in 344 matches over all competitions, placing him fourth all-time in Lyon history. Upon the completion of the 2005-06 season, Juninho was named Ligue 1 Player of the Year and was a three-time member of the Ligue 1 Team of the Year.

1995 – 2001: In his first stint with Brazil’s Vasco da Gama, Juninho claimed the Brazilian Championship in 1997 and 2000, along with the Copa Libertadores in 1998.

1991 – 1995: Juninho began his career with Brazilian side Sport.

International: Juninho made his debut on the international stage for the Brazilian national team in 1999. He earned 47 caps for his country and notched seven goals. He retired from international soccer in 2006, following his participation in the 2006 FIFA World Cup when Brazil advanced to the quarterfinals and lost to World Cup runner-up France in a 1-0 finish.